Suicides nearly double in December
Lifeline/Childline Namibia's toll-free helplines 116 and 106 will be operational throughout this festive season, including the crisis line at 232221. These lines operate from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Sunday, as well as over Christmas and New Year.
The accumulated economic, work, academic and personal pressures leading to chronic stress and depression by year end increase the risk of suicide during the festive season but experts say help is available and urge those struggling to reach out.
A health ministry study released last year showed that while on average 40 suicides a month are reported in Namibia, the lowest number of suicides are reported during February while suicides increase in the last months of the year and nearly double in December.
Experts interviewed for the study warned that holiday blues are real for a number of reasons, which include feelings of isolation when others get together to celebrate.
There is also a heightened focus on money at this time of the year, and reflecting on the past, present and future can increase a sense of despair and hopelessness.
“People do experience increased psychological symptoms and chronic stress during an economic crisis as uncertainty about employment and finances are a threat to their very existence.
“More so, during the months leading up to the end of the year, people often report that they have reached the 'end of their tether' and that they are just 'hanging on',” clinical psychologist Heidi Burmeister-Nel warned this week.
Burmeister-Nel underlined that prolonged stress is often a risk factor for the onset of mental health problems.
She said the build-up of worry and chronic stress experienced over the course of the year, coupled with additional emotional setbacks in addition to poor support or resources, may lead to a complete sense of despair and suicidal thoughts as a means of escape.
Clinical psychologist Shaun Whittaker added that for unemployed people the festive season puts the spotlight on money, which “reinforces their sense of helplessness and feeling like a burden. So they do not look forward to the following year.”
He added that parents and children “have just survived the stress of exams and now have to face the expectations their offspring have about the upcoming holidays. So they experience increased financial pressures.”
A third element is increased outdoor activities and a sense of comparison to others enjoying their holidays, while those with depression lack this sense of joy.
Charlemaine Husselmann of Lifeline/Childline Namibia added that those who enter the festive season alone and alienated from friends will see a spike in depression and anxiety, and “a sense of anger of the situation that caused them to be alone. So, we find people drink more or engage in destructive behaviour”.
Hope is not lost
“All of us go through emotional ups and downs. This is the reality of being human. But suicide is not a solution as the emotional pain does not last forever,” Whittaker said.
Husselmann underlined resources are available and reaching out is crucial.
“There is always help out there, someone who is willing to listen and support you during this difficult time. You are not alone.”
She stressed that if family or friends cannot be reached, Lifeline/Childline, which will be operational throughout the festive season, including on Christmas Day and New Year's, is always available to provide support.
Burmeister-Nel said those in the grip of despair must realise they “have nothing to lose by trying [to reach out for help]. Do not try to fight this dark place completely by yourself.”
She underlined that most mental health problems are treatable and manageable, but that time is of the essence.
She warned against brushing feelings aside or ignoring symptoms in others.
“Suffering from these problems is serious and it is not a matter of just 'pulling yourself' out of it. It is not a character flaw. Psychological, psychiatric and medical care is absolutely necessary. Other types of support are also important but mental health problems need to be treated by those qualified to do so.”
Unfortunately only around 60% of people in distress reach out for help, and therefore family and friends can play a pivotal role in spotting the red flags of someone else's despair.
Warning lights
Warning signs include sleeplessness, a history of mental illness, a sense of hopelessness, withdrawal from family and friends, low energy and an inability to concentrate,
Other signs are serious fatigue, agitation, feelings of worthlessness, and the inability to see a solution to the crisis and failing to see hope for the future.
“Whether you already have a mental illness or not, having regular thoughts about death or dying and seeing no other alternative is a symptom, just like fever or pain are symptoms of the flu,” Burmeister-Nel explained.
“It needs to be taken seriously and it needs to be addressed and treated.”
With help, the picture can change for the better and save lives.
“Most who have been there and managed to get through the difficult time, and have received help, reflect on it with disbelief and gratitude for passing through it. They could not see a way through when they were in despair but have managed to get through it,” she said.
JANA-MARI SMITH
A health ministry study released last year showed that while on average 40 suicides a month are reported in Namibia, the lowest number of suicides are reported during February while suicides increase in the last months of the year and nearly double in December.
Experts interviewed for the study warned that holiday blues are real for a number of reasons, which include feelings of isolation when others get together to celebrate.
There is also a heightened focus on money at this time of the year, and reflecting on the past, present and future can increase a sense of despair and hopelessness.
“People do experience increased psychological symptoms and chronic stress during an economic crisis as uncertainty about employment and finances are a threat to their very existence.
“More so, during the months leading up to the end of the year, people often report that they have reached the 'end of their tether' and that they are just 'hanging on',” clinical psychologist Heidi Burmeister-Nel warned this week.
Burmeister-Nel underlined that prolonged stress is often a risk factor for the onset of mental health problems.
She said the build-up of worry and chronic stress experienced over the course of the year, coupled with additional emotional setbacks in addition to poor support or resources, may lead to a complete sense of despair and suicidal thoughts as a means of escape.
Clinical psychologist Shaun Whittaker added that for unemployed people the festive season puts the spotlight on money, which “reinforces their sense of helplessness and feeling like a burden. So they do not look forward to the following year.”
He added that parents and children “have just survived the stress of exams and now have to face the expectations their offspring have about the upcoming holidays. So they experience increased financial pressures.”
A third element is increased outdoor activities and a sense of comparison to others enjoying their holidays, while those with depression lack this sense of joy.
Charlemaine Husselmann of Lifeline/Childline Namibia added that those who enter the festive season alone and alienated from friends will see a spike in depression and anxiety, and “a sense of anger of the situation that caused them to be alone. So, we find people drink more or engage in destructive behaviour”.
Hope is not lost
“All of us go through emotional ups and downs. This is the reality of being human. But suicide is not a solution as the emotional pain does not last forever,” Whittaker said.
Husselmann underlined resources are available and reaching out is crucial.
“There is always help out there, someone who is willing to listen and support you during this difficult time. You are not alone.”
She stressed that if family or friends cannot be reached, Lifeline/Childline, which will be operational throughout the festive season, including on Christmas Day and New Year's, is always available to provide support.
Burmeister-Nel said those in the grip of despair must realise they “have nothing to lose by trying [to reach out for help]. Do not try to fight this dark place completely by yourself.”
She underlined that most mental health problems are treatable and manageable, but that time is of the essence.
She warned against brushing feelings aside or ignoring symptoms in others.
“Suffering from these problems is serious and it is not a matter of just 'pulling yourself' out of it. It is not a character flaw. Psychological, psychiatric and medical care is absolutely necessary. Other types of support are also important but mental health problems need to be treated by those qualified to do so.”
Unfortunately only around 60% of people in distress reach out for help, and therefore family and friends can play a pivotal role in spotting the red flags of someone else's despair.
Warning lights
Warning signs include sleeplessness, a history of mental illness, a sense of hopelessness, withdrawal from family and friends, low energy and an inability to concentrate,
Other signs are serious fatigue, agitation, feelings of worthlessness, and the inability to see a solution to the crisis and failing to see hope for the future.
“Whether you already have a mental illness or not, having regular thoughts about death or dying and seeing no other alternative is a symptom, just like fever or pain are symptoms of the flu,” Burmeister-Nel explained.
“It needs to be taken seriously and it needs to be addressed and treated.”
With help, the picture can change for the better and save lives.
“Most who have been there and managed to get through the difficult time, and have received help, reflect on it with disbelief and gratitude for passing through it. They could not see a way through when they were in despair but have managed to get through it,” she said.
JANA-MARI SMITH
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